Technical Library

Removing the lid…
Many instruments are equipped with removable hinge pins for the lid. This
allows the lid to be easily removed in certain performance situations.

It’s very easy to damage the paintwork on your harpsichord if you
don’t know what you’re doing.

You don’t need people to help. In fact, it’s easier to remove
and carry the lid safely by yourself.

Here’s how:

To begin, stand behind the harpsichord.

Remove the hingepins, and keep them somewhere safe momentarily.

Grasp the middle of the lid behind the jackrail with your right hand.

Have your left hand ready in the middle of the spine.

Pull the lid up and towards you with your right hand, allowing it to
ride in the hinges. It will fall easily into your left hand

Put the lid safely against the wall where nobody will kick it.

Replace the hingepins in the hinges on the instrument.

DON’T HIDE THE HINGEPINS IN YOUR POCKET:
THEY WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN!

To return the lid to the harpsichord, just proceed in reverse:

Stand behind the harpsichord.

Remove the hingepins, and keep them somewhere safe momentarily.

With the same hand positions, hold the lid exactly as you did during its
removal.

Align the lid horizontally over the harpsichord, resting the lid lightly
on the top of the bentside if necessary.

If any further alignment is required to have both leaves of each hinge
engage, lift slightly on the spine side to avoid scrubbing the hinges against
the lid. It’s safe to slightly move the lid this small amount while
it is lightly resting on the bentside.